Staley's good news made me think about "please get up"
Published: 11/6/2012 12:56 AM
Last Modified: 11/6/2012 12:56 AM
If you like feel-good stories, then you have to like the latest development in the Kye Staley tale. But it caused me to immediately think of his mother, Patrice.
Staley, who missed two seasons and overcame a major knee injury to resume his playing career, confirmed to Gina Mizell of the Oklahoman that the NCAA has awarded him with a rare sixth year of eligibility.
That means the NCAA has a heart. And it means that Kye's mother will have more emotional Saturdays at Boone Pickens Stadium.
I spent a couple of hours with his mother prior to a game last season and she told me that, because of what Kye has already endured, she says to herself "please get up, please get up" every time he crashes to the turf. And he always does -- and she can rest easy until the next play.
On the day that I spent with Kye's mother, he did not run out onto the field for pre-game warm-ups when he usually does. Of course, mom was worried until she finally spotted her son, business as usual.
This was going to be Patrice's last year to worry her son might get hurt again. But his improbable comeback (doctors initially feared he could have a club foot) will continue for another season. And hopefully Patrice's chants of "please get up" will continue to get the right results.
Written by
Jimmie Tramel
Sports Writer
